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Parenting

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Original poster

Holidays in term time for Nursery school children

13 replies

jemjelly · 30/04/2012 13:05

My daughter is 4 and goes to a nursery (attached to a school) from 9am-12am every day, she had a really good attendance record and has only missed 2 days of school since she started last September and those were due to illness.

I've booked a holiday to Cornwall, we go away in June for 2 weeks during the school term, my DH couldn't get any time off work during July and August because all those dates were taken when he started this job.

I haven't told my DD's nursery teacher about our holiday yet but my DH is worried about it and said this morning maybe we should say our DD is ill instead of being honest incase we get into trouble for taking her out of nursery.

I really don't see it as a big deal as she is only 4 and I would rather be honest than get caught out in a big lie but its made me think. Its not illegal is it as my DD is still in school nursery not school. I've looked on the school web site and in the leaflet they gave us when she started nursery last September and it doesn't mention anything about holidays in school time for the nursery kids.

Has anyone else done this and got in trouble?

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WillowB · 30/04/2012 17:07

I currently pg with my 1st so not direct exp but I'm an early years teacher in a reception class so can answer from a school point of view.
Children aren't classed as statutory school age until the term in which they are 5yrs old. Up until this point they do not have an official attendance record as such, although the school will probably keep records for their own information but they do not have to report these figures to the local authority. This means that most although they wont condone holidays in term time, schools are generally more relaxed about holidays in nursery (though they probably wont let on!) They won't be as understanding when your daughter enters the main school. At our school parents have to make an appointment with the head who then decides whether the absence is authorised or unauthorised. Holidays in term time are generally unauthorised and will be recorded on a child's attendance record. Might seem harsh but schools are under pressure from the local authority and ofsted to keep attendance rates above 95%.
Best thing to do is have a word with the school office and let them know your plans. I wouldn't lie as children are rubbish at keeping up a pretence. I had a child who was off with chickenpox for 2 weeks and came back to school with a tan, told us he'd actually been in Devon!,

usualsuspect · 30/04/2012 17:10

Just tell them she wont be there because you are going on holiday . theres nothing they can do.

ShatnersBassoon · 30/04/2012 17:11

Just be honest. You couldn't get in trouble for your child missing 10 days of non-compulsory education.

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lynniep · 30/04/2012 17:16

I honestly dont see the problem - she hasnt started school yet -shes at nursery. I can't see how the nursery being attached to the school makes a difference since presumably she wont start 'proper' school until September at the earliest?

Littlefish · 30/04/2012 17:22

I'm a nursery teacher. I often have children away away on holiday. When their parents talk to me about it, my answer is always the same...

"Have a lovely time and make the most of it!"

You really don't need to worry - I would just write the teacher a short note to confirm the dates so she can put them in the register.

Meglet · 30/04/2012 17:25

I don't think it matters at nursery age.

I thought that was the age to make the most of holidays out of peak times while they're old enough to appreciate them .

Joiningthegang · 30/04/2012 23:36

Have a lovely time and don't spoil it by having an ounce of guilt - you have years ahead of you to feel bad because it's unauthorised.

Original poster

jemjelly · 01/05/2012 13:02

Didn't get chance to check back yesterday but thats for your replies.

You have all confirmed what I was thinking, its just my daft DH making a big deal and worrying about it. I shall ignore him and just let my DD teacher know we are going away.

Just hope Cornwall isn't washed away with all this rain in the meantime !

OP posts:

lagoonhaze · 01/05/2012 13:09

Enjoy it! Will be one of last opportunities before complusory schooling.

Cornwall in June is one of the best times. After the easter and may bank hol kick start to season and before the mass onslaught.

Start planning your fun!

eeden · 01/05/2012 13:22

You should tell the school that the holiday was booked prior to your dd starting there. The thing is, although it is not a legal req for her to attend, the school nursery will have a curriculum and structure etc and plan for stuff so it is better not to book holidays in term time.

Gargula · 01/05/2012 14:44

I can't see that this is an issue.
My Ds is at a nursery attached to a school and I have taken him out numerous times to visit a zoo, a museum, softplay etc. They've never batted an eyelid.
I seriously doubt he's been more than three weeks without a day off.
Enjoy your hols!

We're off to Cornwall too - in term time as well!

halcyondays · 02/05/2012 13:11

Just be honest. I wouldn't lie to them, but in any case, you won't get into trouble as nursery isn't compulsory.

nannyl · 02/05/2012 19:49

she doesnt legally have to attend school be officially educated until the term after her 5th birthday

its fine

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